Questions re 276C & 2610

[Wraithwrider]

I'm now just about set to go and order a GPS unit. Initially I was thinking about a 2610 but now I'm swayed by the 276C accepting its disadvantage in terms of memory cards and price. I do have experience of Marine GPS systems so are not too daunted by the 276C.

I had the mounting of the 2610 all planned on my 1200 but the 276C mounting is a whole new proposition. I searched the site for some info but drew a blank.

I have two questions:

Do you need to have the Audio function in use while on the bike or is the screen sufficient in itself. I'd rather just ride with earplugs to retain what hearing is left and I don't want all the fussing with filtered plugs and Autocom etc.

I know that both RAM and Touratech do cradles, any recommendations on how to mount them to the bike so that I can use a tank bag and see most of the clocks.

Any help on any issues would be much appreciated.

 

[Schtum]

Do you need to have the Audio function in use while on the bike or is the screen sufficient in itself. I'd rather just ride with earplugs to retain what hearing is left and I don't want all the fussing with filtered plugs and Autocom etc.

You can probably manage with just the on-screen information. I navigated to Bushmills for this year's NW200 using just that information. However, there was very little city centre navigation in that.

I've subsequently got the voice directions inside my helmet using some of Cool Carbon's custom moulded earplugs fitted with Sony Phontopias. They plug into my SPIII via a 2.5mm to 3.0mm adapter. No need for an Autocom. £70 all in for the earplugs and the Phontopias

 

[BurnieM]

The GPSmap 276C comes with a bare wire cable for marine fitting. I added a BMW power plug and 2.5mm audio socket then filled them both with a neutral cure silicone (for water protection as well as strain relief).
Thought the audio socket was a good idea but I have not used it and don't miss it on the bike (although I find the audio prompts helpful in the car).

I use the Garmin marine cradle that the 276C comes with (just unscrew the centre screw to separate it from the rest of the marine mount) attached to a 2 1/2 inch round RAM base by 4 screws.

Note that the 4 hole pattern on this cradle will also fit the BMW bases/mounts.

I have this attached to a 1 1/2 inch RAM arm with a RAM handlebar base.

 

[GSmonkey]

I use a single flat in helmet speaker for the SPIII. I use this with earplugs. You can't hear exactly what is said when you're doing 80mph, but you get the alert to look at the screen. When at sub 50mph speeds you can hear the commands easily.

 

[MikeO]

I mounted my Navigator II (2610) on a MiGSel mount above the speedo. I've found that I haven't needed the voice prompt since I put it there - the change of screen which accompanies a voice prompt is close enough to your line of sight to attract your attention.

Mike

 

[GSmonkey]

I've found that I haven't needed the voice prompt since I put it there - the change of screen which accompanies a voice prompt is close enough to your line of sight to attract your attention.

....thats good to know Mike. I was going to change the mounting of my SPIII to an 'over the clocks' position to avoid the need for voice prompts + hence the speaker in the helmet + annoying wire

 

[Jimb]

Audio

I have audio on mine but after a while you find its not used much so you won't miss it, you see the screen change easier, Migsels mount is exceelent and is in exactly the right place in the line of sight.
One feature of the 276C is proximity alarms, so you get a warning when approaching a hazard, usefull.

 

[GSmonkey]

Re: Audio

One feature of the 276C is proximity alarms, so you get a warning when approaching a hazard, usefull.

Can you set these to alarm when approaching waypoints, e.g. speed camera waypoints????

 

[Schtum]

Re: Re: Audio

Can you set these to alarm when approaching waypoints, e.g. speed camera waypoints????

Yes, it's actually a Mapsource function. You can set the proximity alarm to any distance you choose from a waypoint. The problem about using waypoints as speed camera locations is that Garmin GPS units don't have the capacity to store enough waypoints for all the scameras in the UK.

 

[BurnieM]

Currently the GPSmap 276C has 100 proximity alarms.
The GPSmap 176/176C have 50

All other Garmins have 10 proximity alarms.